"You're back," Just a Way said as Kousei entered the dormitory room.
"What did the President say to you?"
Kousei was surprised. How did Just a Way know she had spoken with the President?
"Don't look so surprised. I initially planned to follow you upstairs, but I was being watched, so I gave up. Later, I saw the President following in your footsteps."
That makes sense, Kousei thought. Just a Way couldn't possibly have followed me anyway.
"We had a brief discussion. The President explained Acting Chairman Kashimoto's philosophy to me."
"So, you agree with Acting Chairman Kashimoto's policies?"
"No, but I now have a better understanding of why the President and the others are acting the way they are. Actually, I spoke with Acting Chairman Kashimoto earlier, and she wanted me to be her trainer."
"Did you accept?"
"No. I already have Trainer T. I don't need another one. What's your take on Acting Chairman Kashimoto, Just a Way?"
Just a Way stretched lazily. "I'm not sure. I don't know much about the Acting Chairman. Besides, I'm not an Umamusume, so I don't need training. Naturally, I haven't had any opportunities to interact with her."
"I still have reservations about the Thorough Management Education Program. It's a bit too strict. If I don't get to eat lunch with Kousei, I'll be listless all day."
A serious issue somehow became lighthearted when it came to Just a Way.
She always seemed so carefree and detached from the world. How could an Umamusume be so utterly lacking in ambition? Even after living with her day and night, Kousei still couldn't quite figure out her roommate.
"Oh, right! McQueen and Teio came by earlier. They said Twin Turbo is doing fine and will be discharged soon. So, they're planning a welcome-back party before she gets back. Wanna join?"
A party to celebrate Twin Turbo's discharge? Kousei wouldn't miss it for the world.
"Of course! When's Twin Turbo getting out?"
Just a Way looked slightly puzzled. "Today! Didn't the President tell you?"
"Huh?"
An awkward silence settled between them. Just a Way blinked at Kousei. "Should we head to the gathering first?"
"Sure."
Kousei gracefully backed down.
Although the Thorough Management Education Program had cut off all interaction within the Academy, there were still two places beyond its reach: the Umamusume's personal Training Room and the two dorm buildings.
Fuji Kiseki and Hishi Amazon remained in charge of dormitory management, with Kashimoto Riko having instructed both Dorm Leaders to enforce strict rules against room visits.
However, as long as it was before lights-out, the Dorm Leaders turned a blind eye.
One of the downsides of Kashimoto Riko's policies involved the Dorm Leaders themselves. As everyone knew, Fuji Kiseki - one of the Dorm Leaders - possessed overwhelming popularity due to her refined manners, striking appearance, and dedication to protecting the Umamusume of Ritto Dormitory.
Such a gentlemanly figure naturally stirred the hearts of adolescent girls. Even when faced with this massive fanbase, Fuji Kiseki remained composed.
After the policy's implementation, the resentment of girls barred from interacting with Fuji Kiseki became almost tangible. Ritto Dormitory was enveloped in a frosty atmosphere, threatening to become the setting of urban legends if this continued.
Following Just a Way to the door, Kousei looked up to see McQueen's room. She knocked, but after a brief wait, the door remained closed.
"Question: Who is the President's favorite Umamusume?" Tokai Teio's voice, deliberately mysterious, came from within.
Just a Way pressed her ear against the gate and whispered, "Tokai Teio."
"Correct password."
With a click, a narrow crack opened. Tokai Teio peered out, glancing cautiously left and right. After confirming the coast was clear, she beckoned Just a Way and Kousei inside.
Understanding the signal, Just a Way ducked low and slipped through the narrow opening. Kousei, though uncertain of the situation, followed suit, mimicking her movements.
Once inside, they found the small room crowded with people. First were McQueen and her roommate, Ikuno Dictus. Kousei had heard about this Umamusume from McQueen and Twin Turbo, and had even met her briefly during summer training camp.
Dictus appeared reserved and serious, not one for idle chatter. According to McQueen, she was incredibly disciplined, maintaining meticulous control over her weight, hooves, and overall physical condition.
A diligent and meticulous secretary-type Umamusume, Dictus was rumored to be Air Groove's favorite student, and the Student Council had long been trying to recruit her.
Always calm and composed, she excelled at managing every aspect of her life, including her physical condition. Her goal was "to thoroughly manage myself and run as much as possible." Her fervent dedication seemed to stem from a past when she was unable to run.
Ikuno Dictus also took great care of McQueen, personally adjusting her horseshoes to suit her weight and ensuring she could perform at her best on the racetrack.
Remembering this, Kousei turned to Dictus and thanked her.
Dictus responded with a simple nod, radiating the calm composure of a seasoned Umamusume.
The others were familiar faces: Rice Shower, Narita Brian, Bakushin, and Sirius.
To be honest, Kousei was surprised to see Sirius and Narita Brian here.
Narita Brian, the Vice President of the Student Council, typically kept to herself, entering the Seishun Cup solely to compete against Kousei. To others, she seemed to belong to Kashimoto Riko's faction.
Sirius, who detested such gatherings, seemed even more out of place.
"Don't get the wrong idea," Sirius said, noticing Kousei's puzzled expression. "I didn't want to come. Teio kept pestering me, so I had no choice. Otherwise, I'd be sneaking off to the Festival to play billiards right now."
Kousei nodded, then turned to Narita Brian, hoping she would offer an explanation as well.
"Hmm? What are you looking at me for?" Unfortunately, Narita Brian seemed unwilling to elaborate.
Kousei cleared her throat. "What's Brian doing here?"
"I heard there was meat at the gathering, so I came," Brian replied. "Ever since I went shopping with Onee-san, she's been nagging me about my diet every day. My stomach is practically overflowing with broccoli now."
Who could have imagined that Narita Brian, the renowned figure, would be clutching her stomach in such obvious distress?
Are vegetables really that terrifying?